Modern smartphones Xiaomi And Redmi equipped with many functions to improve the quality of communication, one of which is technology Voice over Wi-FiIt allows you to make voice calls over a wireless internet connection in areas where cellular signal is weak or nonexistent. However, this feature isn't useful in all situations: it sometimes causes connection drops, increases battery drain, or is simply not supported by the user's data plan.
Device owners often need to force their phones to use SIM-only mode. This can be caused by an unstable router that drops data packets during a call, or by the desire to save mobile data if Wi-Fi is being shared from another device with a limited data plan. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at... Where exactly in the MIUI or HyperOS shell is the Wi-Fi calling switch hidden? and what nuances need to be taken into account when disabling it.
The deactivation process does not require root privileges or third-party software. All necessary tools are built into the standard operating system settings menu. AndroidIt's important to understand that the interface may differ slightly depending on the firmware version and regional settings of the device.
What is VoWiFi and why should I disable it on my Xiaomi?
Technology VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) is the transmission of voice traffic via an internet protocol, similar to how instant messaging apps work, but with integration into a standard phone book. To the user, it appears like a regular call, but the signal travels not through the operator's base station, but through a wireless access point. On smartphones Xiaomi This feature is often enabled by default if your carrier supports the service.
There are a number of reasons why experienced users prefer to disable this option. Firstly, many home routers don't prioritize voice traffic, which can result in a completely occupied internet connection during a call, resulting in packet loss and crackling audio. Secondly, when switching between coverage areas (for example, when leaving the house for the street), the phone may take a long time to recognize that it needs to switch back to the cellular network, and the call will simply be dropped.
Beyond the technical issues, there's also the economic aspect. While many operators include VoWiFi minutes in their plans, some plans may still charge these minutes separately or round up. The feature may also conflict with power saving settings. MIUI, preventing the phone from going into deep sleep.
⚠️ Note: Disabling VoWiFi will not affect messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber). You will still be able to make calls via Wi-Fi, but standard calls via the "green phone" will be handled exclusively by your mobile operator.
Where to find VoWiFi settings in MIUI and HyperOS
Finding the desired switch in the menu Xiaomi It can be confusing due to the deeply nested settings. The path to the function is usually standard, but the names of the options may vary depending on the locale. Most often, the controls are located in the section responsible for SIM cards and mobile networks.
To get to the desired location, you need to open the main settings menu and select the item SIM cards and mobile networksNext, you should select the specific SIM card if you have two installed, as the settings are applied individually to each slot. This is where the key switch is located, often hidden under the label "Wi-Fi Calling" or "Wi-Fi Calling."
In some firmware versions, especially in Chinese builds or early beta versions HyperOS, this option may be hidden. If you don't see the switch, try searching for "Wi-Fi calling" in the settings. The system will automatically redirect you to the appropriate submenu.
Below is a table showing the differences in menu item names across different shell versions to help you navigate faster:
| Shell version | Path to setup | Switch name |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12/13 Global | Settings → SIM cards → SIM selection | Wi-Fi calling |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks | Use Wi-Fi for calls |
| HyperOS | Settings → Mobile network → SIM 1/2 | Calls via Wi-Fi |
| Android Stock (Poco) | Settings → Network & Internet → SIM cards | VoWiFi |
Step-by-step instructions for disabling the feature
The disabling process is extremely simple and takes less than a minute if you know the exact steps. Before you begin, make sure you have access to the unlock screen, as some settings may require password or fingerprint confirmation for security purposes.
Follow the steps below to ensure you disable voice over Wi-Fi. We'll cover a universal method that works on most current models. Redmi Note And Xiaomi Mi.
☑️ VoWiFi Disabling Algorithm
After you've toggled the switch to the "Off" position, check the status bar (the top line of the screen). The phone icon with the Wi-Fi symbol should disappear. It may still be replaced by an icon. HD (if VoLTE is active) or just the standard network icon (4G/LTE/5G). This means the phone has been forced to use cellular frequencies for voice communications.
If your phone continues to display the VoWiFi icon after disabling the setting, try restarting the device. Sometimes system services Android cache the state of network modules, and a full power cycle helps apply the new settings.
⚠️ Note: If you use two SIM cards, you must check this setting and disable it (if necessary) for each card separately. Settings are not synced between slots.
No switch: hidden settings and engineering menu
There are situations where the carrier supports the technology, the phone is capable of it, but the toggle switch is completely missing from the graphical interface. This often happens in global firmware versions, where the list of VoWiFi operators is strictly regulated, and your carrier isn't included. In such cases, you can use standard methods through the menu. Settings It won't be possible to solve the problem.
For advanced users, there's a way to access the hidden engineering testing menu. However, it's important to remember that tweaking these settings requires caution. Changing unfamiliar parameters may result in unstable operation of the communication module. To access the testing menu, use a special code entered into the dialer.
##869434##Entering this code (##VOWIFI##) on some models opens the VoWiFi debug menu. Here you can find the item WFC Registration Mode or similar. By changing the value from "Home Network" to "Disable" or "Cellular Preferred," you can forcefully prevent your phone from registering with the VoWiFi network. However, on newer versions Android 12/13/14 Access to this code is often blocked by the manufacturer.
What to do if the code doesn't work?
If entering the code doesn't work or displays "invalid code," the manufacturer has blocked access to the engineering menu at the software level. In this case, the only solution is to install third-party apps from the Play Market, such as VoWiFi Switch, which creates a shortcut to the hidden settings, or to flash the device to a version for a different region (such as India or Taiwan), where these menus are open by default.
An alternative option is to use ADB commands from a computer. This method is more complex but more effective. You'll need to connect your phone via USB, enable USB debugging, and enter a command that changes a global system setting.
The impact of VoWiFi shutdown on call quality and battery life
After disabling this feature, many users notice changes in their smartphone's behavior. This primarily affects connection stability. In areas with poor cellular coverage (such as basements or thick office walls), voice call quality may deteriorate, with interference or even call connections stopping altogether, even if Wi-Fi was the only solution previously.
On the other hand, disabling VoWiFi often has a positive impact on battery life. Constantly searching for and maintaining a connection to the router for voice traffic, especially if the Wi-Fi signal is weak, forces the WLAN module to work intensively, which consumes battery power. Voice transmission over a cellular network (especially in VoLTE) is often more energy efficient.
It's also worth mentioning the impact on mobile internet. When making active Wi-Fi calls, some older routers may experience increased ping (latency) during online games or video calls, as voice traffic is prioritized. Disabling VoWiFi frees up the Wi-Fi channel for data, which can improve internet responsiveness on other devices on the network.
Common problems after a power outage and how to solve them
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes encounter incorrect system behavior. For example, the phone may get stuck in network search mode or lose signal altogether. This is a rare software bug. MIUI, which is resolved by resetting the network settings.
Another common issue is the inability to make a call immediately after leaving a Wi-Fi zone. The phone may try to maintain a connection to the router until the very last minute, even if there's no internet there. In such cases, manually switching to airplane mode helps, forcing re-registration with the cellular network.
If you notice that incoming calls have disappeared after disabling the feature, check your call forwarding settings. Sometimes, when you activate VoWiFi, operators automatically set up call forwarding for unavailable subscribers to their server. If you manually disable the feature on your phone, you'll need to disable this call forwarding separately using USSD commands or the operator's app.
⚠️ Note: The settings interface and feature availability depend on your carrier. If your carrier hasn't certified VoWiFi for your region, the toggle may not appear even after following these steps.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Does disabling VoWiFi affect the cost of minutes?
Yes, it can. If your plan offers separate terms for Wi-Fi calls (for example, they're not included in your minutes package), then after disabling them, all calls will go through the cellular network and will be charged according to your main plan. Most modern plans combine VoWiFi minutes and regular minutes into one pool, so there won't be a difference.
Do I need to restart my phone after it is turned off?
In most cases, changes are applied instantly. However, if you don't see any changes in the status bar or your phone continues to behave strangely (for example, it doesn't switch to 4G when you leave the house), a short reboot may help the system. Android Correctly reconfigure network modules.
Does VoWiFi work while roaming and should I turn it off?
When roaming internationally, VoWiFi can be a lifesaver, allowing you to make calls "like at home" at your home network's rates while abroad (if your carrier supports this feature). However, if you're unsure of the charging conditions, it's best to disable this feature to avoid accidentally connecting to other Wi-Fi networks and potentially incurring charges.
Is it possible to disable VoWiFi for only one SIM card?
Yes, in smartphones Xiaomi With dual SIM cards, settings are applied individually. You can leave VoWiFi enabled on the primary SIM card for calls from home and disable it on the second SIM card if it's used only for mobile data or infrequent calls.